Allen Iverson, one of the greatest players of all-time, is currently looking for a way to make it back into the NBA. Though he's remained hopeful of one day getting another opportunity to put on an NBA uniform, Monday he turned down all rumors of him making a comeback in the NBA Development League.
Iverson announced via his Twitter page that he's passing on an offer from the Dallas Mavericks' D-League affiliate, the Texas Legends , who are co-owned by Mavericks president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson.
Iverson last played in the NBA in 2009-10 in brief stints with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Philadelphia 76ers, but the 37-year-old has resisted multiple offers. Iverson has also rebuffed opportunities to sign lucrative deals in China because, to date, he's been unwilling to consider playing anywhere besides the NBA.
He made waves when he signed a $4 million deal with Turkish club Besiktas in October 2010. But his stint in Turkey only lasted 10 games due to a calf injury.
Since his return Iverson has made it clear that he wants to make a return to the NBA. However, when he appeared at a 76ers playoff game last May, he acknowledged to ESPN reporter Lisa Salters that an NBA return may not be made possible.
"I want to play basketball so bad," Iverson told Salters on the broadcast. "The way it is right now, I've accepted the fact that that might not happen, but I still want to play basketball, and if I can get an opportunity where it's going to make me happy at the end of my career, I'll take that opportunity."
The Legends' pitch to Iverson centered around the fact that they've just convinced NBA veterans Delonte West and Rashad McCants to join their team with similar intentions and have a history of helping players make it back to the highest level.
The Legends and their front-office team of Nelson, former NBA slam-dunk champion Spud Webb and Malcolm Farmer have made a habit of ambitious pursuits since the team's debut season in 2010-11.
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